They ask us if the polymeric sand we use is “weed proof”. Unfortunately the answer is no. There's is no miracle product that will eliminate all weeds, ants and washouts. The good news is Polymeric sand is the best product available to resist the nuisances that come along with the beauty of a paver patio.
Since weeds will grow through concrete in time, there is very little chance that a polymeric sand will stop them in an area with a high infestation. Under normal weed conditions, one here and there, the process of removing the old sand will eliminate most of the weeds and deter them from returning.
However, polymeric sand is unique because it will allow the joints to expand and contract with the elements like hot sun during the summer and below-freezing temperatures in the winter. It will also bond your pavers together so weeds and insects don't make their home between each slab or stone.
Don't install any polymeric sand if your project has areas that tend to hold water for prolonged periods of time. This helps prevent problems with standing water on your pavers; a subtle slope lets water easily drain off of your pavers each time it rains.
Polymeric sand is the most popular and useful filler used under brick pavers. It is a mixture of fine sand, adhesive and is most widely used in paver joints. Typically, polymeric sand lasts for up to 10 years. But if you use high-quality polymeric sand, it can last for approximately 15 years.
Polymeric sand is appreciated by paver installers because joints you get from it are durable and even . This eliminates any risk of weed growth and ant infestation that could affect the overall aesthetics and durability of paver projects.
When properly installed polymeric sand is very weed resistant. There are many factors that can lead to early failure of the sand such as not getting sand deep enough into joints, applying too much OR to little water to activate, paver systems that hold too much moisture, hills, and a lot more.
When looking for alternatives to polymeric sand, you will also want to find high quality materials. There are other products, such as EnviroSAND, EnviroSTONE and EnviroPATH on the market that are able to stop water erosion from occurring.
Weeds don't grow from beneath the stones. They grow between the stones when the jointing sand washes away leaving space for the seedlings to fall in. Here in a moist, dark setting, the conditions are right for weeds to germinate and grow. Even a couple seedlings can quickly spread across your patio floor.
If installed improperly, the polymeric sand may crack or begin to peel which leaves exposed sand for weeds to begin to grow or insects to begin making a home. To prevent this from happening, ensure that your polymeric sand is installed properly and that your space is maintained.
Weedblocker is a specially formulated polymer modified joint sand used with pavement systems utilizing segmental concrete pavers, clay pavers or natural stone; concrete slab joint applications or filling gaps between segmental retaining wall blocks. Weedblocker becomes activated when combined with water.
In simple terms, the process of sealing your block paving to stop weed growth is all about first de-weeding the area, then giving it a good clean, placing sand between the block paving and then you're ready to seal with a quality sealant.
Installing polymeric sand on a damp or wet surface could cause the sand and polymers to stick to the surface and become difficult to remove. After installation, a hard rain on polymeric sand that has not fully set up could result in polymeric sand all over the top of the pavers.
If your surface has a slope, start at the lower end and work your way up. Concentrate on small areas at a time (a good rule of thumb is 200 s.f. increments). Generally speaking, you'll want to perform three rounds of watering. The initial showering should be done at a height of about 4 ft.
Epic Fail #1: Too much or too little watering.
Using too much water can cause the sand to wash out of the joints. On the contrary, using too little can result in the product not setting up properly. Hazing can also occur if sand residue isn't fully washed off the surface of the pavers.
Filling large gaps between paving slabs can be easily achieved with wet brush-in joint filler or polymeric sand. Wet brush-in filler is more flexible, making the joints less susceptible to cracking as the temperature changes throughout the year.
Can you apply polymeric sand twice? No, new product won't adhere to the old. You have to remove the old polymeric sand and then apply fresh product for the best result.
Essentially this is a man-made chemical binder or organic biner that binds the sand together and to create a single surface between the joints of the interlocking pavers. This glue holds the sand in place so that when it rains or running water, the water will not wash away the sand.
If remov- ing polymeric sand, a hot water pressure washer will help to soften up the binders in the sand. Any tough to remove hardened areas, may require mechanical means to clean the joint. Take caution with natural stone or thin style pavers and be sure to avoid disturb- ance of the bedding sand underneath.
Polymeric sand bonds together and resists washing out of paver joint, even in heavier rains. Resists Ant Infestation- Ants and other insects love to make the sand of your brick paver system their home.
Remove the tarp as soon as the rain is done so the air can assist in the curing process since PolySweep needs to dry fully to be cured. A hard rain on polymeric sand that has not set up properly could result in sand all over the tops of the pavers.
Place rock salt on any sidewalk or driveway cracks with weeds growing out of them, or spread it across the entire area. This will eventually kill any weeds and temporarily prevent them from growing. Mix some rock salt with water until it fully dissolves, then add it to a spray bottle and apply it.
Joint-It – a modern solution
Jointing compounds are a resin-based sand product that is brushed into the gaps between your slabs which then sets rock solid over 24 hours. It provides a firm joint between your paving slabs that are much more effective in stopping weeds than a purely cement-based option.